New larger Apple iPad Air tipped to launch as cheaper alternative to iPad Pro 12.9

DigiTimes has published another report about the prospect of Apple expanding its iPad family. To recap, only a few days have passed since the website detailed the production schedule of the so-called iPad Fold, a tablet that could span 20-inches in its unfolded state. Now, DigiTimes states that there will be two successors to the fifth generation iPad Air, mirroring Samsung's recent expansion of its Fan Edition (FE) tablets with the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus.

Correspondingly, Apple is said to be developing the 6th generation iPad Air in two sizes. According to DigiTimes, Apple will maintain the existing 10.9-inch model while adding a larger 12.9-inch alternative. Thus, the website expects to match the iPad Pro series in this regard, which Apple transitioned to its present 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes in 2018.

For now, it is unclear when Apple will introduce 6th generation iPad Air tablets. Recently, Mark Gurman claimed that Apple was developing various new iPads, including a budget option, an updated iPad mini and iPad Pro models based on its forthcoming Apple M3 chipset. With the current iPad Air now over 18 months old, we would not rule out Apple waiting until early 2024 before releasing 6th generation models, presumably with its Apple M2 chipset in both sizes. 

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